A woman who worked as a turkey butcher testified in a murder trial that she was in fear for her life when she fatally struck her girlfriend with a horse figurine and then dismembered her over 15 years ago. Anna Podedworna, 40, expressed remorse for her actions, admitting she felt like a “monster” after cutting up the body of Izabela Zablocka, a mother, with a kitchen knife and burying her in their shared home’s garden in Normanton, Derby.
Both women had relocated from Poland to the UK and were in a romantic relationship when the incident occurred. They were employed at a poultry factory named Cranberry Foods in Scropton, Derbyshire. The court learned that Ms. Zablocka, aged 30 and a mother, ceased communication with her family abruptly in August 2010.
During her testimony, Podedworna recounted the events leading to Ms. Zablocka’s death, stating that the victim was upset and confrontational on the day of the incident. Podedworna alleged that Ms. Zablocka, who frequently consumed alcohol, became aggressive, grabbed her, and choked her, causing her difficulty in breathing.
When questioned about her actions at the time, Podedworna expressed her terror, believing that Ms. Zablocka intended to kill her. She described feeling compelled to defend herself as she had previously been threatened by the deceased. Podedworna recounted using a horse figurine in self-defense, attempting to revive Ms. Zablocka after the altercation.
Despite her actions, Podedworna denied any intention to harm Ms. Zablocka. She explained her decision not to seek help, citing fear of not being believed and the potential consequences she might face. Podedworna admitted to dismembering and burying the body out of fear and desperation, feeling like a “monster” for her actions.
The court was informed that Podedworna, a skilled butcher, utilized her expertise to dismember the body before disposing of it in the garden. Testifying about their tumultuous relationship, Podedworna mentioned previous conflicts, including an incident in Poland where she received a black eye from Ms. Zablocka.
Contrary to the accusations, Podedworna denied the daughter’s claim that she had pursued Ms. Zablocka with a knife in Poland. Podedworna has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, preventing a lawful burial, and perverting the course of justice.
The trial is ongoing.
